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Monday, November 4, 2013

Tithenai's Explanation

I materialized in Tithenai’s cavern in a blinding rage. She was seated at her couch, playing what
appeared to be the original Duke Nukem, when I stormed in from behind her.

She sensed me coming, got to her feet, and threw her palms
out defensively. “Hey, wait a second, I
can explain,” she said. “Just take it
easy. Take it easy. Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive
you crazy.”

It seemed like she knew I would be mad before she even
turned around to see me, and her accurate anticipation of my reaction made
everything look like some elaborate setup—although I didn’t know what I was
being set up for. “You knew this would
happen?” I thundered. “Why the fuck
would you send me on this wild goose chase?!”

I was stomping toward her and she was backing away just as
quickly.

“I didn’t know you’d use the wrong blood,” she said
quickly. “I’m psychic but I can’t see
the future.”

I stopped. “What did
you say?”

She cocked her head at me as though she were slightly
confused. “Which part of that was most
significant?” she asked.

“Let’s start with the part about you being psychic,” I
snarled. “Don’t you think that would
have been a useful thing to mention to me earlier?”

She shrugged. “I just
assumed that Azraal would have mentioned that to you before he brought you
here. I’m sorry, Uncle Albert. We’re so sorry if we caused you any pain.”

Stashed in a desk drawer in my office, Azraal’s head was
probably cackling to itself right now.